Financial strength and stability are essential for all successful non-profit organizations.Our Chamber of Commerce possesses a legacy of financial strength and proper stewardship. Our sustainability can be attributed to membership retention and the participation of our members in our activities, advertising and sponsorship programs.As I mentioned in my previous blog post, our Board of Directors possess three strong traits:

They’re engaged in all facets of our Chamber’s operations

They analyze our results and outcomes

They’re biased toward action

During our Board of Director’s annual retreat in October, they rated their financial expectations in a survey. The result was an expectation of an annual budget surplus of approximately 5 to 10 percent.The Board then requested a market analysis of the annual budgets, membership fees and other cost structures of similar Chambers in our region. The research revealed our Chamber membership fees are far below the average of approximately 12 neighboring Chambers in the region.As they reviewed historical financial performance, they noted 2018 will be the third straight year of deficit spending. (However, the 2018 deficit was planned to cover the cost of an executive transition.) If deficit spending continues, the Chamber would exhaust its reserves and cease to exist in a few years.For the first time since 2015, the Board unanimously voted to restructure and increase membership fees, effective Jan. 1, 2019. The number of employee-tiered classifications will be reduced from nine to five. Partnership fees also will increase.Even with the increase, three levels of membership fees will be below the market average and two will be at the average price.After the Board unanimously approved the membership fee increase, it enabled them to unanimously pass a budget for 2019 with a 1-percent surplus.No member services will be eliminated or reduced next year, nor will there be any staff reductions or salary increases. However, funds were approved for creating an employee retirement savings program.When our members renew their membership with our Chamber—or a new business joins—the membership fee contributes to the fulfillment of our mission: promoting and supporting businesses throughout our region. Our member retention rate of greater than 85 percent shows our businesses value the Chamber’s mission and achievements.Our staff and the Board of Directors pledge to continuously improve all aspects of our membership services and benefits. We hope you will continue to be a part of our organization as we serve businesses in our community and region.

The Maritz Campus, home of the Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce during the past several years.

​Our Board of Directors possesses three strong traits:

They’re engaged in all facets of our Chamber’s operations

They analyze our results and outcomes

They’re biased toward action

Each year, our Board dedicates half a day for a retreat to review our performance and plan for the future. One area where there was unanimous agreement was the value of Maritz’s many contributions to our Chamber and the community.As we reviewed our financial performance during the last few years and our membership growth during the past decade, it became clear that Maritz’s contribution of office space enabled measurable gains in membership and increases in the quality and quantity of various services to our business community in Fenton and the region.In late August, our offices relocated to the north side of the Maritz campus. Mark Alspaw, the Vice President of Real Estate and Property Services at Maritz, and his team of associates helped us avoid almost all interruptions to our operations and customer services. They also provided additional signage.As part of the Board’s ongoing review, they analyzed our new operating environment, our ability to serve our members, customers and the general public, and the Chamber’s ability to serve people throughout the region. This review led to formation of a steering committee to focus on finding an optimal location for our offices.The steering committee requested our members be informed of our needs and solicited their assistance in this process. We will be searching for office space that meets the following specifications:

Walk-in and easy access for people coming into the office space to do business

Highly visible from roadway

Approximately 3,000 square feet, three offices, a copier/production room, and a conference room

Adequate parking for at least 20 automobiles

Within Chamber budget

As with any process—but especially for a nonprofit organization of our size—the complexity and scope of this project will dictate our timeline.If you would like to suggest an office or a location, please contact Joe Mueller, Executive Director, at exdir@fentonmochamber.com or (636) 717-0200.

A December tradition for our Chamber is recognizing members for outstanding service and contributions. Searching back through our photograph archives triggered so many feelings of gratitude. The names and faces of so many community leaders are inspirational.Plus, we can't afford not to take the time to praise someone who is deserving of recognition for their devotion and service. Join us for our annual recognition luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, at Andre’s West. Register…Last week, our members received via email an invitation to nominate worthy members of our Chamber for recognition. Nominations end on Monday, Nov. 19.Here are the categories:Ambassador of the Year: Nominate a member of our Ambassadors Committee who displayed outstanding and thorough assistance to members and guests at our luncheons and other events.Rising Star: Nominate a new member or a young professional who is a member and consistently supports our mission and is an emerging leader in our organization and the community.Norma Radeackar Lifetime Achievement: In honor of the late Norma Radeackar, a former Executive Director, nominate the person to be recognized for years of consistent service and devotion to our organization.Chamber Spirit: Nominate an individual who exemplifies the core attributes of our organization at all of our events—helpfulness, kindness, hospitality and positive attitude.New Member Business of the Year: Nominate a new Chamber member/business with a tenure of one year or less and has been engaged and supportive of the organization’s activities and mission.2018 Business of the Year: Nominate a Chamber member for outstanding ethical business practices and service to the community and their customers.Here are photographs and recipients from previous years:2017Ambassador of the Year: Jeffrey Wolf, HealthMarkets InsuranceRising Star: Courtney Hoff, Express Employment ProfessionalsNorma Radeackar Lifetime Achievement Award: Scott Borlinghaus, Fabick CATSpirit Award: Teresa Sparks, Farmers Insurance - Sparks AgencyVolunteer of the Year: Karen Mize, Carrollton BankNew Members of the Year: Tammy Elkins, Divine Energy Studio; Rhino Hyde ProductionsBoard Member of the Year: Lori St. Clair, On Target For Profitable GrowthBusiness of the Year: Fabick CAT, Celebrating 100 Years!2016Ambassador of the Year: Russ Ahlheim, Ad Source One; Angela Reynolds, U.S. BankRising Star: Jim Winslow, Jr., Sky Zone, FentonNorma Radeackar Lifetime Achievement Award: Joe Fischer, Jr., Fischer Christoff Bartmess, AdvisorsSpirit Award: Rob Schneider, Leader PublicationsVolunteer of the Year: Suzie Smith, Suzie PaintsNew Member of the Year: Nothing Bundt Cakes, ChesterfieldBoard Member of the Year: Chuck Winkle, MaritzBusiness of the Year: UniQue Ideas ‘N More

2014Small Business of the Year: Victorian Sales, Inc.Mid-Size Business of the Year: SERVPRO of Fenton/South BallwinLarge Business of the Year: Lutheran Senior Services at Meramec BluffsNew Member of the Year: Josh Voyles, Keller Williams SouthwestService to the Chamber: Creative MailersVolunteer of the Year: Darlys Preslar, Supporters for Fenton Dog ParkChamber Spirit Award: Angela Reynolds, U.S. BankBoard Member of the Year: Jodi Clinton, Commerce Bank

2014 Award Recipients

2013Small Business of the Year: Team Activities for Special Kids (T.A.S.K.)Mid-Size Business of the Year: Mercy ClinicLarge Business of the Year: Special School DistrictNew Member of the Year: American Eagle Credit UnionService to the Chamber: Krieg Lohbeck & Company CPAs, LLCVolunteer of the Year: Megan Bresler, Carrollton BankSpirit Award: Linda Branham, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Jan Mullaney, SERVPRO of West Kirkwood/Sunset HillsBoard Member of the Year: Paul Carcagno, Fortune Insurance

Don Corrigan, middle, begins moderating the third annual Southwest Regional Economic Summit on Oct. 17 at Sunset Country Club. The panel included, left to right, David Leipholtz and Kyle Juvers of Better Together STL and Jim Brasfield and Pat Kelly of Cities Strong.

Collaboration is essential.If there was one common theme or message presented at the third annual Southwest Regional Economic Summit on Oct. 17, 2018, those three words provided an accurate summation.More than 100 people gathered at Sunset Country Club for presentations and a discussion by Better Together STL and Cities Strong. The event was presented by of the Crestwood-Sunset Hills, Kirkwood-Des Peres and Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce.Internal competition, disparity in services and a lack of vision for regional success are three impediments to successful growth in our region, according to David Leipholtz, Director of Community-Based Studies for Better Together STL. Leipholtz, a former history teacher at Lindbergh High School, offered to visit or speak with any group in the region about their organization. He emphasized the rumors about Better Together STL—those around pushing for a merger of the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County and a statewide vote mandating the merger—were false.Leipholtz shared a story he heard from a recruiter in St. Louis that painted a picture of our current situation. Allow me to paraphrase:What if you had the choice of eating at a restaurant with a Grade A rating by the health department or a Grade C? Most people would choose the Grade A restaurant. But, what if I told you that if you went to the Grace C restaurant and ordered the chicken dish, you would not get sick?That’s the dilemma we’re facing in our region. We’re not at a Grade A level, but you can move or start a business here in a very selective way and not be harmed.Pat Kelly and Jim Brasfield represented Cities Strong. Brasfield emphasized the need to collaborate and for cultivating leadership.“There are no heroes,” Brasfield said, “just us.”Kelly noted several problems caused by the lack of a leader and leadership throughout the region. He also predicted a formula for improving the region.“Economic growth with follow population growth,” Kelly said.It was an honor to end the program with some closing comments. Thanks to my good friend, David Straub, for sending me the recording.

The St.Louis Regional Chamber invited me to attend a presentation by Better Together STL in June. David Leipholtz, Director of Community-Based Studies, asked a simple question: If our region possesses outstanding resources--world-class resources--why are we struggling to thrive and complete?Leipholtz and Kyle Juevers, Associate Director of Community-Based Studies, will attempt to answer this question during the Southwest Regional Economic Summit. We'll start with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Sunset Country Club and adjourn by 9 a.m.Cities Strong, an organization dedicated to fostering and engaging in regional collaboration, also will make a presentation. They'll be represented by their President, Jim Brasfield, and Pat Kelly, a member of the Board of Directors and currently with the St. Louis Municipal League.Click here to register as we begin a dialogue and have a conversation about how we can better communicate, collaborate and develop a shared vision for our region. If we all can agree that any organization must improve efficiencies and lower costs, we have a good place to start.

The front table at our October membership luncheon was full as candidates for Missouri State Representative, candidates for St. Louis County offices and spokespersons for a number of ballot initiatives joined us for an election-year forum at Andre's West.Thanks to Paul Carcagno, President of the Board of Directors, for moderating the event. With more than 13 speakers, each person was limited to three minutes. Paul diffused any tension at the beginning of the event by informing the candidates and spokespeople he would treat them the way he treats his children when they won't stop talking: "I'll just take your phone away." We received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the event. All were appreciative of the candidates and spokespeople respecting the time constraints. We received the most feedback on the courtesy and respect the candidates showed to one another.The November, 2018, ballot in St. Louis County will be the longest ever assembled. We always encourage voters to be knowledgeable of the candidates and issues before they head to the polls. However, this year some additional time spent reviewing the ballot will save themselves and their fellow voters time at the ballot box.Review your ballot by visiting the St. Louis County Polling Place and Sample Ballot Lookup. The PDF below contains the sample ballot for my residence:

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The Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce supports, promotes & encourages shopping local and keeping business in Fenton. The organization also serves as a link between our members and the community, providing members with tools to succeed in business through networking, marketing, and educational opportunities.